Press Association – Ranjaan fires Cheltenham dream
10th January 2012Ranjaan fires Cheltenham dream
Highclere racing manager Harry Herbert is dreaming of Cheltenham Festival glory with exciting juvenile Ranjaan.
Handled by champion trainer Paul Nicholls, the four-year-old was beaten on his hurdling debut at Newbury and then fell on his next appearance at Doncaster. But he looked all class when winning at Kempton over Christmas and he is prominent in ante-post lists for the Triumph Hurdle.
“There are no immediate plans for him as like a lot of horses at this time of year, he’s had his flu vaccination. He’s just been having an easy time since Christmas,” said Herbert.
“Paul was thinking of getting him back on track in February some time with the hope that he will then end up at Cheltenham. Whether that will be for the Triumph Hurdle or the Fred Winter, time will tell and a lot will depend on his next race.
“We were thrilled with him at Kempton and I think he’s a horse who is improving all the time, and hopefully there is a lot more to come.
“On his first run at Newbury he was very rusty and sluggish, but he’s sharpened up a lot since then. Hopefully he’s a horse with a big future and he should make an exciting chaser. It’s been an exciting start to his career, so hopefully that continues.”
Highclere may be better known for their exploits on the Flat, but they are enjoying a fine time over jumps this season.
Herbert added: “Everyone is enjoying the jumping at the moment and of course, Cheltenham is the dream for everyone. The dream is alive for us.
“As well as Ranjaan, Emma Lavelle’s Penny Max has won his last two over fences. I think there is a race for him at Ascot coming up and depending on how he gets on there, he could go to Cheltenham as well I suppose.
“Another nice horse is Tuscan Gold, who we bought off Sir Mark Prescott and sent to Alan King. He didn’t seem to stay on his first run at Huntingdon so he’s going to come back in trip and we’ll see how he gets on.”
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